Spain and reigning European champions Italy both secured victories in their opening matches at Euro 2024 and are set to clash in Gelsenkirchen on Friday midnight.
Who won Euro 2021?
Italy
Read More: EURO 2024 Group B – Preview, Analysis, Strengths And Weaknesses
Spain vs Italy: Match Preview
However, their performances differed significantly. La Roja dominated Croatia with a 3-0 win, handing their opponents a joint-heaviest defeat in a major international tournament.
In contrast, Luciano Spalletti’s pre-match comments likely echoed in the ears of his Italian players when Nedim Bajrami scored a stunning goal just 23 seconds in, marking the fastest goal in European Championship history and giving Albania an unexpected lead.
Nevertheless, Italy quickly turned the game around with two goals in five minutes from Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella, setting them on a path to potentially become the second team to win consecutive Euros, following in the footsteps of their upcoming opponents.
The Azzurri’s comeback marked their fourth consecutive opening match win in major tournaments (European Championships and World Cups) for the first time in their history, a momentum they aim to carry into their match against Spain.
Italy, traditionally reliant on the experience of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, entered Euro 2024 with the sixth-youngest squad, averaging 26.5 years of age.
There was much scrutiny over Spalletti’s squad choices ahead of the tournament, particularly when Italy found themselves trailing early against Albania. However, the youthful energy prevailed, notably embodied by Riccardo Calafiori. Calafiori, a standout in Bologna’s Champions League qualification campaign in 2023-24, showcased his talent on the international stage, impressing in only his third appearance for his country.
Spain also showcased their young talent at Euro 2024. Lamine Yamal, who made history as the youngest player to feature in any European Championship match, demonstrated his impact. Yamal led in touches inside the opposition box (6), created three chances (joint-most), and provided an assist for Dani Carvajal’s maiden international goal.
Álvaro Morata, assuming captaincy for the first time in a major tournament, has solidified his place as Spain’s second-highest goalscorer in major tournaments, trailing only David Villa who has 13 goals.
In European Championship history, Morata stands among elite company, with only Cristiano Ronaldo and Michel Platini scoring more goals than his seven.
Despite typically dominating possession in their matches, Spain, under Luis de la Fuente’s guidance, have adopted a new approach. Against Croatia, they experienced a shift as they had less possession for the first time in 136 competitive matches, dating back to the 2008 Euros final against Germany.
Spain vs Italy: Head-to-head
- Played: 40
- Spain: 13
- Italy: 11
- Draws: 16
The upcoming match between Spain and Italy marks their 11th meeting at a major tournament, spanning across 8 European Championships and 3 World Cups, setting a record for encounters between European nations.
This fixture will also extend their streak to five consecutive European Championships where they have faced each other, dating back to 2008, another record in tournament history.
Despite Italy’s strong record against other opponents, they have only lost once in their 10 previous matches against Spain in the Euros and World Cup (winning 4 and drawing 5). That solitary defeat came in the final of Euro 2012.
In recent years, Spain has enjoyed success against Italy, winning their last two meetings in the Nations League. However, they have never managed to secure three consecutive victories against the Azzurri.
Furthermore, Spain has a perfect record against the reigning champions of the European Championship, having won all three of their previous encounters and reaching the final each time they faced the defending champions.
Spain vs Italy: Recent Form
Spain: WWWDLW (all competitions, most recent first)
Italy: WWDWWD(all competitions, most recent first)
Spain vs Italy: Team News and Predicted Line-up
Spain: Team News
Alvaro Morata and Rodri are expected to be available for Spain’s upcoming match against Italy at Euro 2024.
Both players suffered minor issues in their previous game but are likely to recover in time for this crucial Group B clash. Another victory for either team would secure a spot in the last-16 with a game to spare.
Morata, who was substituted during the win over Croatia, reassured fans that his departure was due to a minor knock. Meanwhile, concerns over Rodri’s fitness were downplayed by coach Luis de la Fuente, who attributed his substitution to fatigue from extensive gameplay.
De la Fuente emphasized the importance of managing players’ conditions optimally for the later stages of the tournament, stating, “Morata took a knock, and Rodri was fatigued from his efforts. It was a wise decision to make the change to ensure all our players are in top form for the crucial stages of the competition.”
Aymeric Laporte missed the Croatia match due to a muscle issue, and although he is nearing full fitness, Nacho is likely to retain his place in the starting lineup against Italy.
Spain: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Simon
- Defenders: Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella
- Midfielders: Rodri, Ruiz, Pedri
- Forwards: Yamal, Morata, Williams
Italy: Team News
Italy’s team news ahead of their match against Spain at Euro 2024 indicates several updates:
Nicolo Fagioli, who missed Italy’s previous game against Albania due to bruising on his fibula, has returned to training and could be available for selection against Spain.
Despite initial concerns about his fitness, Nicolo Barella started and completed Italy’s opening match unharmed, ensuring his presence in midfield for the upcoming fixture.
Gianluca Scamacca is expected to retain his position as the striker, despite a subdued performance in the last game. He will likely be supported by Lorenzo Pellegrini and Federico Chiesa on the flanks.
In the full-back positions, Federico Dimarco and Giovanni Di Lorenzo are likely to continue, while Matteo Darmian might feature from the bench.
Italy appears to have a relatively settled lineup going into their clash with Spain, aiming to build on their initial victory and secure advancement in Group B.
Italy: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Donnarumma
- Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco
- Midfielders: Jorginho, Barella, Frattesi
- Forwards: Pellegrini, Chiesa, Scamacca
Spain vs Italy: Match Prediction
Given Spain’s impressive display against Croatia, where they showed a decisive attacking prowess, particularly with threats from players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the wings, they enter their match against Italy with confidence.
Italy, despite their own strengths and solid performances historically against Spain in major tournaments, may find themselves challenged by Spain’s renewed attacking vigor and pace on the flanks.
Considering these factors, Spain could be poised to capitalize on their recent form and attacking depth to potentially edge out Italy in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.
When and Where to Watch the Match LIVE in India?
UEFA Euro 2024 matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports channels: Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD, Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 3 HD, Sony Sports Ten 4, Sony Sports Ten 4 HD, Sony Sports Ten 5, and Sony Sports Ten 5 HD in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 can be accessed through the SonyLIV app and website.
You can watch today’s match from 12:30 am onwards on Sony Sports channels: Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD, Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 3 HD, Sony Sports Ten 4, Sony Sports Ten 4 HD, Sony Sports Ten 5, and Sony Sports Ten 5 HD.
Live streaming of the match can also be accessed through the SonyLIV app and website.
